Is a duplicate NIE certificate valid everywhere?

Yes. The duplicate carries the same legal value as the original — same number, same issuing authority.

Keep your number

Lost your NIE? The number never changes — get a duplicate

Q: I lost my NIE certificate — do I get a new number?

No. The NIE number is permanent and never changes. What you lost is a document (the white certificate or TIE card) that displays it. You request a duplicate of the document — same number, new paper.

Q: How do I get a duplicate white NIE?

File EX-15 again at the police station (or via a representative) marking the box for duplicate/copy, pay the €9.84 fee on Modelo 790-012, and collect the new certificate. Many representatives, including us, handle duplicate requests without you travelling to Spain.

Q: Can I get a copy of my NIE online?

There is no official public online retrieval. If you applied through a service or representative, they keep your certificate scan — ask them first. Otherwise a duplicate requires the EX-15 process or an in-person cita.

Q: How long does a duplicate take?

Through a representative, typically 5–10 working days. In person, it follows the standard NIE timeline: 1–4 weeks including the cita previa.

Q: I only remember part of my NIE — can I recover the rest?

Check any document where it appears: tax filings, contracts, bank paperwork. If nothing surfaces, the police station that issued it can confirm the number with your passport. A validator cannot guess missing digits — it only checks numbers you already have.

Losing the certificate is a paperwork problem, not an identity one: the NIE number is permanent. You request a duplicate of the document — same number, same rights, new paper.

TL;DR

The number never changes and never expires — you replace the document, not the number.
Duplicate = file EX-15 again with the duplicate box + €9.84 fee.
Through a representative: 5–10 working days, no travel to Spain.
Search email and contracts first — your NIE is printed on many documents you already hold.

First: find the number you already have

Most “lost NIE” cases end without any application — the number is printed on: visa sticker, TIE card, white certificate, any Modelo tax filing (NIF field), employment contract, bank paperwork or utility contract. If you applied through us or another representative, they keep your certificate scan on file.

Requesting the duplicate: 3 steps

1. Pay the fee

€9.84 on Modelo 790 código 012 — same as the original application. Wrong line ticked = refused (the most common mistake).

2. File EX-15 as duplicate

The EX-15 has a box for duplicate requests. In person: cita previa + passport. Via representative: your passport copy + POA is enough — you never enter Spain.

3. Collect the certificate

The new white certificate carries the same NIE. Legal value identical to the original.

Need your duplicate handled?

We request duplicates on POA — no appointments, no travel. Same 5–10 working-day window as a first application.

Request my duplicate NIE

Frequently asked questions

I lost my NIE certificate — do I get a new number?

No. The number is permanent. You request a duplicate document with the same number.

How do I get a duplicate white NIE?

File EX-15 again marking the duplicate box, pay €9.84 on Modelo 790-012, and collect the certificate — in person or via a representative.

Can I get a copy online?

No official online reissue exists. A representative can retrieve your stored scan or file the duplicate for you.

How long does a duplicate take?

5–10 working days via representative; 1–4 weeks in person including the cita.

I only remember part of my NIE — can I recover the rest?

Documents you hold (tax filings, contracts) usually show it. The issuing police station can confirm it against your passport. A validator cannot guess missing digits.

Is the duplicate valid everywhere?

Yes — same number, same authority, same legal value as the original.

Sources: Sede Electrónica Policía Nacional — NIE assignment · Fee schedule (Modelo 790-012)

We are not a government body. We are a tax & accounting service assisting with NIE applications and Spanish paperwork. Facts verified 24 September 2026.